Sometimes, cancer grows in the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus). Esophageal cancer is a type of gastrointestinal cancer.
Your esophagus includes several layers of tissue and muscle. While cancer can grow anywhere in the esophagus, it often begins in the tube's innermost lining (epithelium).
You may not have any signs of esophageal cancer when cancer is in its early stages. As cancer grows (advances), esophageal cancer symptoms can include:
- Bleeding in the esophagus (causing dark stools)
- Coughing or hoarse voice
- Pain in the chest
- Trouble swallowing
- Vomiting
Doctors determine which type of esophageal cancer you have by examining the cells where cancer began. We treat:
Adenocarcinoma
Gland cells in the esophagus make mucus. Adenocarcinomas are cancers that begin in the gland cells and are often diagnosed in the lower part of the esophagus.
Gastroesophageal junction tumors
The gastroesophageal junction is where the esophagus joins the stomach. Although the gastroesophageal junction includes a few inches of the stomach, experts consider this esophageal cancer.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cells are thin flat cells that line the esophagus. Squamous cell carcinoma is cancer that begins in the squamous cells.
This cancer can begin anywhere within the esophagus. Typically, doctors diagnose squamous cell carcinoma in the neck and upper part of the chest.
Sometimes, doctors find esophageal cancer during tests for other conditions. If you’re having symptoms, our experts will examine you and perform certain tests. These tests include:
- Barium swallow test
- Endoscopy
- Imaging tests
We may also use other instruments with lights and cameras (scopes) to see if esophageal cancer has spread. These include:
- Bronchoscopy
- Laparoscopy
- Thoracoscopy
During these tests, we may pass instruments through the scope to biopsy areas that might be cancer. Our experts then examine these samples under a microscope.
Our cancer experts develop a personalized esophageal cancer treatment plan for you. Cancer treatments used depend on where the cancer is located and how quickly it is growing. Your doctor may recommend:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgery
- Targeted therapy
Our experts and partners also research new ways to treat cancer. Please read about our work at 果冻视频 Research Center.